This is the year of the Da Vinci Collection for IWC. The brand, which hosted many novelties at the SIHH 2017 fair, also announced new models designed for women users within the renovated Da Vinci Collection. We put our hands on the Ref. IW458312 model from one of our favorite product lines IWC DA Vinci Automatic 36.
The Da Vinci Collection first met with watch enthusiasts in 1980 and continued to be featured in the IWC catalogs without major updates until 2007. In 2007, the collection has been updated significantly and remained among the classic product groups of the brand. As the main part of IWC’s 2017 novelties, the Da Vinci Collection has been renewed with details inspired by the original design of the 80’s and re-introduced at the SIHH 2017.
Especially in the last few years, it is impossible not to see that watch brands are more concerned about women’s collections than ever. Many brands from different price groups take the luxury watchmaking concept to a different level by introducing new women’s collections to a market which was always known as a male dominated one. IWC is hosting the most successful examples of this new trend with beautiful women’s timepieces.
The model we have here for review belongs to the IWC Da Vinci Automatic 36 Collection which includes a number of versions positioned at a fairly large price range. It is possible to find a luxury watch that is suitable for almost every budget, within the new collection consisting of models in the price range between 5550, 00 and 39600, 00 EUR.
The case of the new model is designed to be 36mm in diameter -a dimension that can now be considered reasonable for women’s watches in today’s standards. On the front side is a sapphire crystal glass with antireflective coating and on the rear side is a solid stainless steel caseback with engravings about the model. The case features the Da Vinci Collection’s signature detail winding crown and it is water resistant to 30 meters.
The dial is finished in a beautiful blue tone which still remains popular as it was in 2016. Sun Burst surface brings the dial an elegant look. The dial sports sword type hands and three dimensional hour markers. Thanks to the AR coated sapphire crystal on the front side, the dial is pretty legible almost at any angle. However, it is not possible to say the same for dark environments as the dial does not feature any phosphor material application. The date display is located at 6 o’clock with a blue background date wheel which keeps the color integrity of the dial.
IWC Da Vinci Automatic 36 Ref. IW458312 is powered by the brand’s Caliber Ref. 35111. 25 jeweled self-winding movement beats at 4Hz and offers a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound.
The model is offered on a blue alligator strap that is manufactured by the famous Italian shoemaker Santoni. The strap is secured with a stainless steel folding clasp.
IWC Da Vinci Automatic 36 Ref. IW458312 is placed at the entry-level of the product line with its 5500,00 EUR price tag.
